Rochester to get $1.1M for two brownfield cleanups

The city of Rochester is getting more than $1.1 million in state funding for two brownfield cleanups, including $868,500 for a 148-acre area that includes the Vacuum Oil Co. Inc. petroleum refinery site on the west bank of the Genesee River, officials announced Thursday.

The city is getting $284,745 for the second project, a 188-acre area with 150 potential brownfield sites in the Bull’s Head area on the west side, officials said.

The city will complete implementation strategies for both projects, officials said.

The vacant Vacuum Oil refinery is at Flint Street and Exchange Boulevard south of the Ford Street Bridge. The brownfield area is more than 90 acres, extending from the Court Street bridge south to near the eastern end of Brooks Avenue.

It is one of the most significant development opportunities remaining in Rochester, city officials say.

The funding for Rochester is part of $10 million in Brownfield Opportunity Areas grants announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“Brownfield redevelopment is essential to encouraging growth in distressed neighborhoods throughout the state,” Cuomo said in a statement. “These grants make that possible by creating opportunities to turn dormant sites into vibrant properties that attract jobs and private investment, in the end helping to revitalize once-blighted areas.”